Hi Peggy,
Your post yesterday is correct.
True love toward the homosexual
speaks the Word of GOD in love. Nobody is condoning the sin of homosexuality
or to remain in it.
The issue I had with Matt's first letter
is the ignorance to the issue of homosexuality and the spirit in which it
was written. God hates ALL sin. But, just
as I have no power to set myself free from my sin or secure or
keep my salvation, the homosexual likewise must turn to JESUS
CHRIST to be set free from homosexuality.
Ephesians 2:8,9 says that even our faith is a gift from
God, and salvation is by GRACE through faith which is a GIFT from God, lest
any man should boast.
Our response is critical
then to allowing GOD to do the work of the Holy Spirit. I cannot change anyone else, but my
actions and the tone in which I say things to others can either help
or hinder the Spirit's work.
For example, Phelps usage of the term "fags"
is derogatory name calling. Christians are to be controlled
by the Holy Spirit, not our emotions and our uncomfortability of a particular
sin. I am very much an advocate through verbal, and silence lifestyle
of God's holiness and uphold that it is God's character and nature. [although
He doesn't need me to defend Him.] I have not shied away from any
of the verses you quoted. But I can say it to the individual in faith
and concern for them, or in fear.
Most people, for instance, do not realize that
the issue of homosexuality is not usually rooted in sex itself. IT is an
illigitimate way to meet a legitimate emotional need . Homosexuals are very damaged and
wounded individuals. Most have been rejected all their lives. To witness to the homosexual is to walk a fine line.
The Christian does NOT condone the lifestyle, but treats the individual
as a human being.
Then --- bang --- a Christian comes
along with all their "love" like Phelps. No one likes to be called
names. Call it for what it is -- homosexuality. And although
I know that whole nations were disposed because of this sin, and Sodom and
Gomorah was destroyed because of it, I yet do not hear anyone focus
on the HOPE of being set free. I will quote the NEW Testament verses on
homosexuality that both you and Matt have seemed to overlook.
"Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not
inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor Idolators,
nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,
nor thieves, nor covetousnes, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners
shall inherit the kingdom of God.
And such WERE some of you: but ye are washed , but ye
are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and
the Spirit of our God." 1 Cor. 6:9-11
Just ask yourself, what if one of these people bound in
homosexuality was one of your loved ones or family? How would you treat
them and how would you want others to treat them?
You can be a fornicator, drunkard, idolator and sit nice and quiet in your
pew on Sunday morning and no one would dare tell you that you were not welcome.
Just what if??? Just what if we were to allow these sinners into our
midst without compromising the TRUTH? Do you have anything of Christ
they would want?
Just a thought.
Mary